“All have the right to be heard, we all have the right to be what we can be, to reach for the sky and touch the stars.”

A couple Saturdays ago, I was watching a documentary series on American history, which was pretty entertaining. While watching the reenactment of our country’s foundation via the writing of the Declaration of Independence, I felt a real sense of pride.

Our forefathers understood the importance of the individual voice and were building a foundation where the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were celebrated and protected.

Now, some people exercise their voices and the pursuit of happiness everyday, and others don’t. Either way, regardless of which category you fall into, the important thing is they are your rights, and your choice. Yes, we can sometimes take these rights for granted, we’re American, we’re entitled to these rights, right?

But what about the people in other parts of the world? Shouldn’t they be entitled to these same rights?

The human family. I love that.

This declaration was created by representatives of all regions of the United Nations and December 10th, 1948, marks the date this Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Every year on this date, the Declaration of Human Rights is commemorated with the celebration of Human Rights Day.

This year’s theme “My Voice Counts,” highlights the right of everyone to participate in public life, to have our voices heard regarding policial affairs.

“Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives. Every person shall have the right to vote and be elected, and to have access to public service, as well as to free expression, assembly and association. We all should have a voice that counts in our societies. We should all have free, active and meaningful participation in both economic and political affairs.”

What better way to celebrate Human Rights Day (December 10th), then by exercising your right to have a voice?

I can safely say, changing the world and participating in Global Affairs has never been so easy. Here are 3 ways to participate:

Ask Questions: From now until December 10th, send your quesitons using #AskRights and select questions will be answered by the High Commisioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, at the Human Rights Day Google+ Hangout.

Share your thoughts: Have something to say about the right for all to participate in public life and political decision-making? Share your thoughts at #VoiceCount.

Hang out: You can actually interact with with Navi Pillay on Human Rights Day, December 10th at 6:30 am (PST) via the UN Google+ Hangout.

Why participate?

We owe it to everyone who, because of their gender, class, current political system and many countless reasons, are still not afforded this right. Exercise your right for those who have spoken and have been actively persecuted. Exercise your right because you can. Exercise your right to honor those who cannot. At least not yet.

About Traci Wallace

Traci Wallace is a writer, event producer, surfer, children's yoga teacher, Conscious Marketing Strategist at Silvr Social in Solana Beach, California and former New Delhi resident. Connect with her here.

4310405 Responseshttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.elephantjournal.com%2F2012%2F12%2Fyour-voice-does-count-but-only-if-you-use-it-how-to-participate-in-human-rights-day-2012%2FOur+Voices+can+Count%3A+How+to+Participate+in+Human+Rights+Day+2012.2012-12-06+04%3A21%3A33Traci+Wallacehttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.elephantjournal.com%2F%3Fp%3D431040 to “Our Voices can Count: How to Participate in Human Rights Day 2012.”

The thing about rights is that something can only be a right if it does not require action on someone else's part. The opening quote begins “All have the right to be heard…" which is not true. No one has the right to be heard because this implies that someone else must listen. We have the right the speech, but people will only listen if you have something compelling to say.

Dan, I hear what your saying and in this Declaration, each human being has the right to be heard when it comes to our community. Whether our voice is the catalyst for action, well, that obviously depends on how compelling we are.

This year's Human Rights Day (which is today) is focused on celebration of people's voice in public affairs, so in this case, the person who is actively listening is the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN leaders. So, what better day to say something compelling.

"Everyone has the right to be heard and to shape the decisions that affect their community." This right is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and fully integrated in international law, especially in article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.